SEALING ELEMENT FOR A RECEPTION CHAMBER INTEGRATED IN A WORKTOP

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sealing element for a receiving chamber integrated into a worktop.

[0002] The base stations of many kitchen appliances, especially

[0003] Multifunctional kitchen appliances are large, bulky, and unwieldy. Integrating the functionality of the stations into a cooktop or other countertop makes these freestanding base stations obsolete and creates more space in the kitchen. The integration of a multifunctional kitchen appliance into a countertop can be achieved via a suitable receiving chamber. However, the penetration of water and food residue from boiling pots into the receiving chamber is problematic. EP 1818619 A1 discloses a sealing element according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The object of the invention is to create an improved sealing element for a receiving chamber integrated into a worktop.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sealing element for a receiving chamber integrated into a worktop having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the following subclaims.

[0006] The advantages achievable with the invention are primarily the protection of electronic components arranged in a receiving chamber of a

[0007] Multifunctional kitchen appliances protect against liquids and other contaminants generated during cooking. Furthermore, using a variant of the sealing element presented here may eliminate the need for complex wastewater management for a multifunctional kitchen appliance integrated into a countertop.

[0008] A sealing element is presented for an opening integrated into a worktop of a receiving chamber shaped to receive a base device of a multi-function kitchen appliance, wherein the sealing element is shaped to circumferentially enclose the opening and to bear against a surface of the worktop with a bearing portion, wherein a sealing part of the sealing element opposite the bearing portion rises further away from the bearing portion on a side facing the center of the opening than on a side of the sealing element facing away from the center of the opening.

[0009] According to an alternative embodiment, the sealing element is arranged in the opening such that the sealing element rests against a peripheral surface of the worktop that defines the opening and is free from contact with the surface of the worktop. The sealing element is preferably designed to be flat or coplanar with the plane of the surface of the worktop within the opening defined by the peripheral surface of the worktop.

[0010] However, it is also possible for only the transition of the sealing element to the worktop in the area of ​​the opening boundary to be designed to be flat or flush with the surface of the worktop. The sealing element is shaped to enclose the opening all the way around on the inside. According to a further development, a sealing part of the sealing element can have a distance from the plane of the surface of the worktop on a side facing the center of the opening that is greater than on a side of the sealing element facing away from the center of the opening. Preferably, the sealing part is raised relative to the surface of the worktop on a side facing the surface of the worktop.

[0011] The worktop can be, for example, the surface of a hob, such as a glass ceramic hob, or a worktop mounted on a kitchen unit, or even a tabletop. The base unit of a multifunctional kitchen appliance can be integrated or accommodated in such a worktop using a recessed receiving chamber. This base unit includes, among other things, a drive and a coupling point for a functional module, such as a mixing bowl with cutting blades for chopping food or a similar suitable container. In order to optimally protect such a recessed base unit from, for example, water boiling over from the functional module, a sealing element can be arranged, for example in a ring shape, at a correspondingly shaped opening in the worktop.

[0012] The multifunctional food processor can be a device suitable for preparing food, in which a functional module can be coupled to a base station. Preferably, the functional module is designed as a pot module for holding the food. In the device presented here, the base device can be integrated through a corresponding opening in, for example, a worktop or hob, whereby it can visually disappear from the user's immediate work environment. When placed on the base station, the functional module can be connected to the base station, for example via a detachable coupling, so that it can be easily removed, for example for cleaning or to store in a cupboard. The worktop can be part of an appliance, such as a stove, or part of a piece of furniture.

[0013] As an alternative to a pot module, the functional module can also be designed as a meat grinder module, a juicer module, or a pasta machine module. The multifunctional kitchen appliance is considered a system in that it is offered as a sales unit with a pot module and / or a meat grinder module and / or a juicer module. However, the pot module and / or meat grinder module and / or juicer module can also be considered separately purchasable units.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the sealing part can be shaped so that it slopes upwards toward the opening. For example, the sealing element can be shaped so that it slopes gradually toward the opening and thus has a substantially wedge-shaped shape. When inserting, for example, a functional module into the opening, the wedge-shaped part of the sealing element can fit tightly against the functional module. If, for example, boiling water from the functional module hits the sealing element, it can flow away from the opening along the slope. Advantageously, such a wedge-shaped shape is easy to manufacture and has a good sealing effect.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the sealing element can have a retaining plate on the side facing away from the opening. The retaining plate can, for example, be flat relative to the wider, wedge-shaped shape of the sealing part, i.e., have a smaller pitch than the sealing part. This has the advantage that the sealing element fits snugly against the worktop, is easy to attach, and cannot easily slip.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, the sealing element can be made of a solid material. For example, the sealing element can be made entirely of silicone or rubber and cast as a single, continuous mold. This has the advantage of being lightweight and cost-effective to manufacture and particularly stable.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, a sealing section opposite the sealing part on the side of the opening can be shaped as a nose. Due to the shape of the sealing element completely surrounding the opening, the sealing section referred to here as a nose can also be referred to as a wall, in particular the wall that projects into the receiving chamber when inserted. If, for example, the base device inserted into the receiving chamber comprises an insert in the form of a tray for collecting dirty water and other liquids, then the described wall or nose can project into this insert, whereby any penetrating liquid can advantageously be directed directly into the insert. This can provide the best possible protection against contamination and damage to the base device caused by liquids.

[0018] One aspect is that the sealing element can form a labyrinth seal with the insert. This reduces the influence of the seal on the weighing functionality.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the sealing element can be releasably fixed to the worktop with at least one magnet or can be formed in a fixable manner. For example, one or more magnets can be arranged in or on the retaining plate of the sealing element. Accordingly, magnets can be arranged on the side of the worktop opposite the retaining plate, so that the respective magnets face each other and attract each other when the sealing element is inserted. Advantageously, the magnetic attraction creates a self-centering effect of the sealing element, and such a design also enables good slip resistance as well as easy removal and thus cleaning.

[0020] According to the invention, the sealing element comprises a movable element for moving at least a part of the sealing element.

[0021] The movable element can, for example, be cylindrically shaped and arranged in such a way that it pushes a portion of the sealing element toward the functional module when the functional module is inserted. If the functional module is removed and replaced, for example, with a lid that closes the opening, which can also be referred to as a cover plate, the movable element and the associated portion of the sealing element can be pushed back toward the receiving chamber. This advantageously enables the most flush seal possible between a lid and the worktop.

[0022] According to the invention, the movable element is combined or combinable with an ejection mechanism for a lid covering the opening.

[0023] Such an ejection mechanism could, for example, work as follows. If, for example, a functional module or other suitable container is inserted into the opening, the movable element and thus part of the sealing element is pressed upwards towards the functional module. In this way, the previously described wedge-shaped formation of the sealing part can be achieved. When the functional module is removed, the movable element can remain in this raised position until, for example, a lid is placed over the opening. Such a lid can, if necessary, sink slightly into the sealing element when the opening is closed to prevent the lid from slipping. The lid can then be pressed down. Optionally, the lid can be pressed further into the sealing element to create a secure seal against liquids from above.As soon as the lid can no longer be pushed deeper into the sealing element, for example due to a stop, the movable element with the sealing element can be pressed down by applying further pressure to the lid until the movable element clicks into place. If, for example, the lid then needs to be removed again, pressure can be applied to the lid again, possibly asymmetrically. This releases the lock of the movable element and the movable element can be moved up including the lid, for example using built-in springs. This advantageously makes the lid easier to grip. Optionally, a stop connected to the movable element can be pushed further up relative to it to make the lid even easier to grip.It may also be possible to raise only part of the stop, or part of a number of stop points, to slightly tilt the lid and thus optimize the grip of the lid. Optionally, the movement of the movable element can also be motorized or partially motorized. Combining the movable element with an ejection mechanism has the advantage of making the lid easy to operate for the user.

[0024] Analogous to the previously described variant, a flexible sealing element can also be used, which can switch between a "flush mode" with the lid in place and a "liquid barrier mode" with the functional module in place. In contrast to the described embodiment with a movable element, the switch between these modes cannot be achieved, for example, by changing the height position of a fixed component, but rather by filling or emptying a closed volume with a gas or liquid.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the sealing element can be detachably fixed to the worktop with at least one retaining pin or can be formed so that it can be fixed. For example, such retaining pins can be arranged on the support plate in a similar way to the fixation with magnets. Advantageously, such a fixation is easy to install, and the sealing element can be easily removed and reattached for cleaning purposes.

[0026] In addition, a receiving chamber is presented which comprises a variant of a sealing element presented here and a base device, wherein the movable element, when the lid is inserted, exerts a force on at least one sensor of a weighing unit arranged on the base device, such that the sensor detects the position of the lid based on the position of the movable element. For example, the base device can have a weighing unit whose sensors, which can also be referred to as weighing sensors, can detect the weight of a lid closing the opening as well as the weight of objects placed on the lid. In combination with a variant of a movable element presented here, the movable element can be suspended in such a way that the vertical forces during the opening or closing process of the lid act wholly or partially on the sensors of the weighing unit.This allows the process, and in particular the locking action, to be detected in a signal curve from the sensors. Advantageously, this allows monitoring without additional sensors whether a lid is in place and whether it has locked into place. Optionally, this can also be used, for example, to permanently deactivate a motor in the base device when the lid is inserted.

[0027] Furthermore, a worktop with a sealing element according to an embodiment presented here is presented, in particular wherein the sealing element is formed as a permanent component of the worktop. If, for example, the removable functional module of the multifunctional kitchen appliance, for example a pot with a knife, is not inserted and the opening is closed by a lid, for example made of glass ceramic similar to a surrounding cooktop, then the sealing element firmly integrated into the surrounding cooktop can be flush with the surfaces of the cooktop plate and the lid. This has the advantage that the flush-fitting appearance of the worktop and lid, which many users desire, can also be maintained when using the integrated combination device of the multifunctional kitchen appliance.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the sealing element of the worktop can be designed to hook onto the work surface when inserted into the opening. For example, the sealing element can be formed as an elastic molded part based on the previously described mold variants, wherein it has a substantially U-shaped configuration due to an additional retaining plate arranged parallel to the retaining plate and can enclose the worktop like a clamp when inserted. This configuration has the advantage that no additional components, such as magnets or retaining pins, are required to secure the sealing element.

[0029] Furthermore, a functional module of a multifunctional food processor with a sealing ring collar is presented. The sealing ring collar is arranged circumferentially on an outer surface of the functional module and protrudes diagonally from the functional module toward a module base. For example, the angle of the inclined position of the sealing ring collar when the functional module is inserted can correspond to the angle at which the sealing part rises toward the functional module. Thus, the sealing ring collar can run diagonally above and parallel to the sealing part, forming a labyrinth seal. This has the advantage that liquids escaping from the functional module can be diverted directly from the area of ​​the opening.By combining a sealing element on the worktop that extends toward the sealing ring collar and a sealing ring collar on the functional module that extends toward the sealing element, the receiving chamber can be easily protected against liquids and / or contamination. Furthermore, the sealing element and the sealing ring collar can advantageously be decoupled from each other, allowing a weighing unit mounted on the base of the multifunctional kitchen appliance to be suspended.

[0030] Although the approach described is based on a household appliance, the device described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device.

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a receiving chamber with an inserted multifunctional kitchen appliance and sealing element; Figure 2 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a sealing element with a movable element and an inserted lid; and Figure 3 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of a sealing element with a movable element and an inserted functional module.

[0032] Figure 1shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a receiving chamber 100 with an inserted multi-function food processor 105 and a sealing element 110. The figure is a representation of essentially circularly symmetrical objects, which is why all elements shown here are shown twice along a vertical mirror axis. For better clarity, only one reference number is assigned per page in this description. In this embodiment, the receiving chamber 100 is arranged below an opening 115 in a worktop 120. In this embodiment, the multi-function food processor 105 comprises a base device 125 arranged in the receiving chamber 100 and a functional module 130. In this embodiment, the base device 125 arranged in the receiving chamber 100 comprises a drive 135 below which a weighing unit 140 with three sensors 145 is arranged.The drive 135, for example, a motor, is coupled to the functional module 130 via a drive shaft 150. Due to the coupling of the base device 125 and the functional module 130 shown in this exemplary embodiment, the receiving chamber 100 can also be referred to as a coupling recess. The base device 125 also comprises an insert 155, which is bowl-shaped and whose base area covers the opening 115, almost covering the entire area of ​​the receiving chamber 100 as a cover. Such an insert 155 can, for example, collect liquids escaping from the functional module 130, particularly if the opening 115 is not adequately sealed.

[0033] In this exemplary embodiment, the sealing element 110 rests with a contact section 160 on a surface 162 of the worktop 120 and is releasably fixed thereto by magnets 165. Magnets are located both beneath the worktop 120 and in the retaining plate 170 of the sealing element 110, which is arranged parallel to the worktop 120. Alternatively, such fixation can also be achieved via retaining pins 167. This option is also illustrated in the figure shown here, whereby the retaining pins 167 are to be understood exclusively as an alternative to the magnets 165. By releasably fixing the sealing element 110 either by magnets 165 or by retaining pins 167, a user can remove and reinsert the sealing element 110 at any time as desired, for example for cleaning purposes.The sealing element 110 resting on the worktop 120 is therefore decoupled from the stationary unit of the multifunctional kitchen appliance, referred to here as the base device 125, and is held in position by a suitable connection, such as holding pins 167 (pins) or magnets 165.

[0034] On the side of the sealing element 110 facing the opening 115, the sealing element widens, and the sealing part 175 has a rise in the direction of the functional module 130. In the opposite direction of this elevation in the area of ​​the opening 115, a projection 180 extends between the functional module 130 and the worktop 120 down into the area of ​​the insert 155. If, for example, liquid penetrates the area between the functional module 130 and the sealing element 110, it can only reach the insert 155 designed to collect such liquids, which insert can optionally be designed to be removable. In this way, the portion of the base device 125 arranged below the insert 155 can be optimally protected from liquids or contamination.

[0035] A sealing ring collar 185 is arranged on the functional module 130, which extends diagonally downwards towards the module base 187 at the same angle at which the sealing part 175 extends upwards. Such a combination of the sealing ring collar 185 with the sealing element 110 creates a seal shaped like a labyrinth seal, which optimally seals the opening 115 against any liquids that may occur, particularly if such liquids escape from the functional module 130. If, for example, water should boil over in the functional module 130 during a cooking process, the sealing ring collar 185 can direct it away from the functional module 130 so that it hits the sealing element 110 and the opening 115 can remain protected. At the same time, the sealing ring collar 185 and the sealing element 110 are decoupled from one another in this exemplary embodiment so as not to affect the functionality of the weighing unit 140.

[0036] Thus, the sensors 145 can detect a weight filled into the functional module 130 without being affected by the sealing combination described above.

[0037] Figure 2shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing element 110 with a movable element 200 and an inserted cover 205. In this embodiment, the sealing element 110 is arranged between the worktop 120 and a cover 205. In this embodiment, the contact section 160 rests against the lower surface 210 of the worktop 120. Below the sealing element 110, a substantially cylindrical movable element 200 is arranged, which in this embodiment is partially enclosed by the sealing element 110. The sealing element 110 is flush with the cover 205 and the worktop 120, and the movable element 200 is arranged in a position that does not protrude beyond the horizon of the worktop 120 and the cover 205. In this way, a flush appearance of the worktop, which is desired by many users, can be achieved.For example, when the cover 205 is removed, the sealing element 110 can be pushed up by the additional provision of a movable element 200 to achieve the position shown in . Figure 1 to enable the labyrinth seal described.

[0038] Figure 3shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a sealing element 110 with a movable element 200 and an inserted functional module 130. In this embodiment, the movable element 200 is arranged such that one end protrudes above the horizon of the worktop 120, whereby the sealing element 110 is pressed upwards toward the functional module 130. The position change of the movable element 200 can be effected, for example, by springs or a motor. If, for example, a functional module 130 is inserted into the opening 115, the movable element 200 is pressed upwards, so that the sealing element 110 takes on a wedge-shaped configuration and thus forms a barrier between the worktop 120 and the opening 115. Such a mechanism can effectively keep liquids away from the opening 115.A sealing ring collar 185 is arranged on the functional module 130, which in combination with the upwardly pressed sealing element 110 forms a labyrinth seal as shown in . Figure 1 Optionally, the raising and lowering of the movable element 200 can also be carried out with an ejection mechanism for the lid, as described in Figure 2 described.

Claims

1. Sealing element (110) for an opening (115) integrated into a worktop (120) of a receiving chamber (100) formed to receive a base device (125) of a multifunctional kitchen appliance (105), and the sealing element (110) being formed to enclose the opening (115) all around, and the sealing element (110) being formed to lie against a contact portion (160) on a surface (162; 210) of the worktop (120) or a skirt surface of the worktop (120) bordering the opening (115) so as to be flush with the worktop, and the sealing element (110), in use, being flush with the surface (162; 210) of the worktop (120) at an edge distal from the centre of the opening (115) and / or being, at a sealing part (175) of the sealing element (110), spaced further from the plane of the surface (162; 210) of the worktop (120) on a side which faces the centre of the opening (115) than on a side of the sealing element (110) which faces away from the centre of the opening (115), characterised in that the sealing element (11) has a movable element (200) for moving at least a part of the sealing element (110) the movable element (200) being combined or combinable with an ejection mechanism for a lid (205) covering the opening (115).

2. Sealing element (110) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing part (175) is formed so as to rise towards the opening (115).

3. Sealing element (110) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (110) which has a holding plate (170) in the direction of the side facing away from the opening (115).

4. Sealing element (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (110) consists of a solid material.

5. Sealing element (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a sealing portion opposite the sealing part (175) on the side of the opening (115) is formed as a tab (180).

6. Sealing element (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (110) is detachably fixable to the worktop (120) by means of at least one magnet (165).

7. Sealing element (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (110) is detachably fixable to the worktop (120) by means of at least one retaining pin (167).

8. Receiving chamber (100) which comprises a sealing element (110) according to any of claims 1 to 7 and a base device (125), wherein the movable element (200), when the lid (205) is inserted, exerts a force on at least one sensor (145) of a weighing unit (140) arranged on the base device (125), so that the sensor (145) detects the position of the lid (205) through the position of the movable element (200).